HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On behalf of Governor Tom Corbett, the Department of Environmental Protection will accept the Alliance to Save Energy's Andromeda Star of Energy Efficiency Award for its Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP).

The administration will be recognized tonight at the Alliance to Save Energy's 21st annual awards dinner, held in Washington, D.C.

Keystone HELP provides low-cost financing to homeowners for ENERGY STAR home improvements. Projects include whole house energy improvements, such as upgrading an HVAC unit, adding insulation or installing a geothermal heat pump, among other improvements.

"Keystone HELP has made energy-efficiency upgrades possible for more than 12,000 Pennsylvanians," Acting DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. "On behalf of Governor Tom Corbett, DEP is pleased to accept this award, which brings much-deserved recognition for this innovative program."

As of December 2012, Keystone HELP has made more than 12,000 secured and unsecured loans totaling more than $100 million. The Pennsylvania Treasury estimates that the completed home improvement projects are saving consumers $2.5 million a year on energy bills.

Keystone HELP receives interest rate and credit support from DEP and is administered by AFC First Financial Corporation. Funding has been provided from the United States Department of Energy's State Energy Program. It is also supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

The Andromeda Star of Energy Efficiency Award recognizes outstanding achievements in Energy Efficiency for entities earning less than $10 million in annual revenue. Dan Lapato, DEP's Deputy Director for the Office of External Affairs, accepted the award on behalf of Corbett.

The Alliance to Save Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes energy efficiency worldwide through research, education and advocacy. They encourage business, government, environmental and consumer leaders to use energy efficiency as a means to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security.

For more information, or to see the full list of award winners visit www.ase.org.